A method and device for controlled damping of a vehicle stores a set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for controlling the damping of the unloaded vehicle as a function of the dynamic driving situation thereof 1 to n, detect a loading condition b of the vehicle, adapt the set of controller parameters R1 to Rn as a function of the detected loading condition b to a set of controlled parameters R1b to Rnb, and dams the vehicle as a function of the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb as a function of the dynamic driving situation thereon 1 to n.

Patent
   8423244
Priority
May 16 2009
Filed
Oct 26 2011
Issued
Apr 16 2013
Expiry
Mar 27 2030
Assg.orig
Entity
Large
73
30
window open
8. A method for controlled damping of a vehicle, the method comprising the acts of:
storing a set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for controlling damping of an unloaded vehicle as a function of the dynamic driving situation 1 to n of the vehicle;
detecting a loading condition b of the vehicle;
adapting the set of controller parameters R1 to Rn as a function of the detected loading condition b to a set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb; and
damping the vehicle as a function of the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb as a function of the dynamic driving situation 1 to n of the vehicle;
wherein, during the storing act, at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle, and either, for each set, a set of controller parameters R1bk1 to RnBk1 and R1bk2 to RnBk2 for the fully loaded vehicle or a single set of controller parameters R1b to RnB for the fully loaded vehicle, are stored; and
wherein, during the adapting act, the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb is determined by a driver pre-selection of one of a plurality of different comfort modes and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the pertaining or single set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
1. A device for controlled damping of a vehicle, the device comprising:
a storage unit for storing a set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for controlling damping of an unloaded vehicle as a function of a dynamic driving situation 1 to n of the vehicle;
a detecting unit for detecting a loading condition b of the vehicle;
an adaptation unit for adapting the set of controller parameters R1 to Rn as a function of the detected loading condition b to a set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb; and
a damper for damping the vehicle as a function of the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb as a function of the dynamic driving situation 1 to n, wherein:
the storage unit adjusts for storing at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle,
the storage unit adjusts either for storing for each set a set of controller parameters R1bk1 to RnBk1 and R1bk2 to RnBk2 for a fully loaded vehicle or a single set of controller parameters R1b to RnB for the fully loaded vehicle,
the adaptation unit adjusts for determining the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb by a driver pre-selection of one of a plurality of different comfort modes and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the pertaining or single set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an increased basic damping of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein an increased damping against at least one of a lifting, a pitching and a rolling of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
4. The device according to claim 2, wherein an increased damping of a rearward structure of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein an increased damping against at least one of a lifting, a pitching and a rolling of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein an increased damping of a rearward structure of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein an increased damping of a rearward structure of the vehicle is factored into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased basic damping of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased damping against at least one of a lifting, a pitching, and a rolling of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased damping of the rearward structure of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased damping against at least one of a lifting, a pitching, and a rolling of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased damping of the rearward structure of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.
14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the act of:
taking into account an increased damping of the rearward structure of the vehicle with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.

This application is a continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/EP2010/001943, filed Mar. 27, 2010, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from German Patent Application No. DE 10 2009 021 671.5, filed May 16, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are herein expressly incorporated by reference.

The invention relates to a device and a method for the controlled damping of the body movement as well as the wheel movement of a vehicle as a function of its dynamic driving situation.

In such a case, by preselecting different comfort and damping modes, the driver of the vehicle should especially be able to cause the vehicle, for example, in the “comfort mode”, to have a soft comfortable damping of the vehicle body with respect to the vehicle wheels, while, in the case of a “standard” adjustment, a normal damping will be present. And, in a “sporty” mode, a hard to extremely hard damping will be provided. The different damping is carried out particularly by way of controlled adjusting damper systems arranged between the vehicle body and the wheels.

Such a control of the damping of a vehicle as a function of different preselected comfort modes is known from German Patent document 100 33 770 A1. Furthermore, reference is made to German Patent document DE 42 12 852 A1, which describes a wheel suspension system of a motor vehicle with a damping controlled as a function of the dynamic driving situation and of the loading condition of the vehicle.

Such systems change the damping particularly depending on the driving situation of the vehicle and thereby provide a particularly high comfort level while high dynamics of vehicle handling are simultaneously preserved. Known devices for the controlled changing of the damping of a vehicle operate by using a fixed set of parameters which covers all dynamic driving situations.

In particular, in the case of vehicles cushioned by steel springs in connection with a high load, the very high definition of comfort may then result in the occurrence of a “bottoming” of the wheels. This means that the damping is not sufficient, that instead the entire spring travel is used up and that the wheel suspension strikes hard against the vehicle body. On the one hand, this can be felt and heard by the vehicle occupants and clearly reduces comfort. On the other hand, the bottoming may also lead to damage to the participating components.

This problem can be remedied if, besides depending on the dynamic driving situation as such, additionally the loading of the vehicle is taken into account when adjusting or controlling the damping. In this sense, the above-mentioned German Patent document DE 42 12 852 A1 describes a vehicle in the case of which so-called characteristic damping force values are changed by several steps from a soft to a hard adjustment if the loading capacity of the vehicle exceeds a predefined value. However, this basically known approach cannot simply be taken over for existing control concepts with a damping that is variable as a function of the dynamic driving situation because this would result in a significant limitation of the variable damping that, as desired, is adapted as finely as possible for different dynamic driving situations.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for the automatically controlled or controlled damping of a vehicle, in the case of which also at a high or different loading of the vehicle, a comfortable damping in all conditions of driving dynamics will be ensured in a favorable manner.

According to the invention, this and other objects are achieved by a device and method for the controlled damping of a vehicle, having a storage unit for storing a set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for controlling the damping of the unloaded vehicle as a function of its dynamic driving situation 1 to n, a detecting unit for detecting a loading condition b of the vehicle, an adaptation unit for adapting the set of controller parameters R1 to Rn as a function of the detected loading condition b to a set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb, and a damper for damping the vehicle as a function of the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb as a function of its dynamic driving situation 1 to n. The storage unit is adjusted for storing at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle, and is adjusted either for storing for each set a set of controller parameters R1Bk1 to RnBk1 and R1Bk2 to RnBk2 for the fully loaded vehicle or a single set of controller parameters R1B to RnB for the fully loaded vehicle. Furthermore, the adaptation unit is adjusted for determining the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb by a selection of the comfort mode and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the pertaining or single set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.

In the present case, a device for the controlled damping of a vehicle is provided which comprises a storage unit for storing a set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for controlling the damping of the unloaded vehicle as a function of its dynamic driving situation 1 to n (in which case n is a natural number greater than 1), a detecting unit for detecting a loading condition b of the vehicle, an adaptation unit for adapting the set of controller parameters R1 to Rn as a function of the detected loading condition b to a set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb, and a damper for damping the vehicle as a function of the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb as a function of its dynamic driving situation 1 to n.

It was recognized that a very large number of possible influence factors would always have to be taken into account when damping a vehicle. In addition to the actual dynamic driving situation, such influence factors are, for example, a driving speed not appropriate for the base surface, the wind pressure at the vehicle, different tire pressures, the driver's steering behavior and much more. Although it would be technically feasible to take all theses factors into account, in view of the costs, the resulting product would not be marketable. In contrast, according to the invention, the loading condition of the vehicle was selected as the single additional factor that is taken into account for the damping of the vehicle in addition to the dynamic driving situation. In this manner, the solution according to the invention creates in a cost-effective and simultaneously considerably more comfortable damping. The invention thereby additionally utilizes the technique of and the experience with existing systems in that the starting point is the currently used set of controller parameters R1 to Rn for the unloaded vehicle. This set of controller parameters is only changed in the direction of a detected loading condition of the vehicle. Systems existing at the vehicle can be advantageously used also for detecting the loading condition. Particularly in the case of steel-spring-cushioned vehicles, level sensors and, in the case of air-suspended vehicles, pressure sensors are advantageously queried, or a combination of such test signals is analyzed. It is an advantage that, as a rule, at least the level sensors in the corresponding vehicles are part of the standard equipment, so that no additional costs will arise.

In a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, the storage unit is adjusted for storing at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle, and adjusted for storing for each set a set of controller parameters R1Bk1 to RnBk1 and R1Bk2 to RnBk2 for the fully loaded vehicle, and the adaptation unit is adjusted for determining the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb by means of a selection of the comfort mode and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the pertaining set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.

By way of this first embodiment, a functionally optimal solution is created which, however, still requires comparatively high expenditures with respect to data handling, thus the storage and processing of the stored data. In the case of this approach, the sets of controller parameters are doubled, one parameter set being provided for the unloaded and one parameter set being provided for the loaded vehicle condition. The parameter set used for the actual controlling is calculated from these two sets while taking the actual loading condition into account. A storing of intermediately stored data sets requiring much higher expenditures is thereby eliminated. In particular, an adjustable, partly linear interpolation is used as the calculating method.

In a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the storage unit is adjusted for storing at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle, and adjusted for storing a single set of controller parameters R1B to RnB for the fully loaded vehicle, and the adaptation unit is adjusted for determining the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb by means of a selection of the comfort mode and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the single set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.

By way of this second embodiment, the required storage space can be further reduced. Furthermore, the pertaining damping system can be coordinated more easily with the only one parameter set for the fully loaded condition. A coordination with three different modes for the fully loaded condition is, however, eliminated. This embodiment nevertheless meets the requirements of “preventing a bottoming” and of “increasing the driving comfort.” Low application expenditures and a storage-space-saving presentation justify the possibly resulting compromises with respect to the achieved driving comfort.

For the further reduction of the required storage space, in the case of the device according to the invention, the storage unit is adjusted for storing at least two sets of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 and R1k2 to Rnk2 for different comfort modes k1, k2 of the unloaded vehicle, of which one set is designed for a maximally hard damping of the vehicle, and the adaptation unit is adjusted for determining the set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb by means of a selection of the comfort mode and a mathematical interpolation between the thereby selected set of controller parameters for the unloaded vehicle and the set of controller parameters for the maximally hard damping of the vehicle.

This further development is based on the circumstance that, in the case of relevant vehicles, a maximally hard damping is designed in the “sporty” mode in which, if possible, no “bottoming” will occur even if the vehicle is fully loaded. This type of design of the maximally hard damping is now, according to the invention, utilized as a maximal parameter set also for the remaining comfort modes, such as “comfort” and “standard” with regard to a fully loaded vehicle in these modes. Therefore, no separately generated parameter set for the “fully loaded vehicle” condition is necessary in the memory.

In an advantageous further development of the device according to the invention, an intensified basic damping of the vehicle is taken into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle.

This further development is based on a derivation from the active physical chain as the loading of a vehicle increases. The additional loading results in a displacement of the center of gravity and in an increase in mass, to which a reaction according to the invention takes place, as explained above.

In an additional advantageous further development of the device according to the invention, an increased damping against a lifting, pitching and/or rolling of the vehicle is taken into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle. Such an adjustment of the controller parameters acts especially against the increase in mass at the vehicle when the latter is loaded.

In yet another advantageous further development of the device according to the invention, an increased damping of the rearward structure of the vehicle is taken into account with each set of controller parameters for the fully loaded vehicle. This further development is based on the recognition that, with an additional load, in the case of known vehicles, as a rule, their center of gravity is displaced toward the rear and, as a result, the distribution of the weight to the front and the rear axle also changes.

According to the invention, this object is further achieved correspondingly by a method for the controlled damping of a vehicle. The further developments explained for the device also exist analogously for this method.

By means of the solution according to the invention and its further developments, a “bottoming” of the wheels can be prevented or at least reduced or lessened in all operating conditions of a vehicle. Particularly in the case of vehicles without a level control system, the vibration comfort is considerably increased in a cost-effective manner. Damage to components, such as axles, springs, dampers as well as their connection to the vehicle body, can be reduced. The service life of such components is thereby lengthened. Finally, the manufacturing costs of pertaining axle systems, as a whole, can also be reduced because the components can be constructed in such a manner that a lower collective load is adhered to.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for the controlled damping of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for the controlled damping of a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for the controlled damping of a vehicle; and

FIG. 4 is a graphical diagram of the step of “Adapting the Set of Controller Parameters R1b to Rnb” in the case of one of the devices according to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 1 illustrates a device 10 for the controlled damping of a vehicle, in which a set of controller parameters 12 with parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 for a comfort mode k1 or “sporty”, a set of controller parameters 14 with parameters R1k2 to Rnk2 for a comfort mode k2 or “normal”, as well as a set of controller parameters 16 with parameters R1k3 to Rnk3 for a comfort mode k3 or “comfort” are stored in a storage unit. In this case, the storage unit is in the form of a memory chip within an electronic control, but of course could take any equivalent form. Furthermore, a set of controller parameters 18 with parameters R1Bk1 to RnBk1 for a comfort mode k1-B or “sporty-B”, a set of controller parameters 20 with parameters R1Bk2 to RnBk2 for a comfort mode k2-B or “normal-B”, as well as a set of controller parameters 22 with parameters R1Bk3 to RnBk3 for a comfort mode k3-B or “comfort-B” are stored in the storage unit. The designation “B” stands for the fully loaded condition of the vehicle.

The loading of the vehicle is determined on the device 10 by a detecting unit 24, which detects the loading condition of the vehicle. In this case, the actual loading b of the vehicle will, as a rule, be below the maximally permissible loading B of the fully loaded vehicle. The detection unit 24 therefore determines the actually prevailing loading condition of the vehicle.

Furthermore, a preselecting switch 26 is provided on the vehicle, by means of which switch 26, the driver of the vehicle can preset in which comfort mode he wants to drive the vehicle; thus, whether he wants to select the “sporty” comfort mode, the “normal” comfort mode or the “comfort” comfort mode, so that the vehicle will correspondingly be spring-cushioned and damped in a sporty, normal or more comfort-oriented manner with respect to its dynamic driving behavior.

The preselection of the comfort mode and the loading condition of the vehicle are taken into account at an adaptation unit 28 for adapting the relevant set of controller parameters R1 to Rn. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, when the “sporty” comfort mode is selected, a mathematical interpolation is carried out between the set of controller parameters 12 and the pertaining set of controller parameters 18. When the comfort mode “normal” is selected, a mathematical interpolation takes place between the set of controller parameters 14 and the set of controller parameters 20. When the comfort mode “comfort” is selected, a mathematical interpolation takes place for the actual loading condition b between the set of controller parameters 16 and the set of controller parameters 22.

In FIG. 4, the type of mathematical interpolation is illustrated as an example in the “sporty” comfort mode for parameter R1k1 to the parameter R1Bk1 (Y-axis). It is shown that the interpolation for parameter R1bk1 determined for the relevant loading condition b does not absolutely have to take place in a linear fashion for the entire loading change (X-axis) from the loading condition “empty” to the loading condition “loaded” or “fully loaded”, but that linear interpolations also make sense only in sections.

At a damper 30 according to FIG. 1 for damping the vehicle, the interpolated parameters R1b to Rnb are finally used for the actual damping of the vehicle as a function of its loading condition b.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 10 in the case of which also a set of controller parameters 12 with parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 for a comfort mode k1 or “sporty”, a set of controller parameters 14 with parameters R1k2 to Rnk2 for a comfort mode k2 or “normal”, as well as a set of controller parameters 16 with parameters R1k3 to Rnk3 for a comfort mode k3 or “comfort” are stored. Furthermore, only a single set of controller parameters 32 with parameters R1B to RnB are stored for a fully loaded condition of the vehicle. This parameter set 32 is used for all three comfort modes “sporty”, “normal” and “comfort” if, by the pertaining adaptation unit 28, a set of controller parameters R1b to Rnb that is adjusted to the respective loading situation b is adapted. In this case, the adaptation takes place corresponding to the manner illustrated in FIG. 4, in which case, however, as mentioned, in all comfort modes, always the same parameter set 32 with the parameters R1B to RnB is used as the parameter set for the “loaded” or “fully loaded” condition.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a device 10, in which no separate parameter set at all is stored for the fully loaded condition of the vehicle. Instead, for the above-explained interpolation in the comfort modes “normal” and “comfort”, parameter set 12 with the parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 of the comfort mode k1 or “sporty” is used as a parameter set of a maximal loading. In the “sporty” operating mode itself, no loading-dependent adaptation of the pertaining parameter set takes place. Instead, only a single set of controller parameters R1k1 to Rnk1 is used over the entire period of the loading.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Meske, Alexander, Froehlich, Martin, Proemm, Uwe

Patent Priority Assignee Title
10036443, Mar 19 2009 FOX FACTORY, INC Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
10040329, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10047817, Jan 07 2009 FOX FACTORY, INC Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10060499, Jan 07 2009 FOX FACTORY, INC Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10072724, Aug 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
10086670, Sep 12 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension set up
10086892, Jul 02 2010 Fox Factory, Inc. Lever assembly for positive lock adjustable seat post
10094443, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Bypass for a suspension damper
10145435, Mar 19 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
10160511, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10330171, May 10 2012 FOX FACTORY, INC Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10336148, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10336149, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10400847, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Compression isolator for a suspension damper
10406883, Oct 13 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid damper
10414236, Mar 19 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for selective spring pre-load adjustment
10415662, Jan 20 2010 Fox Factory, Inc. Remotely operated bypass for a suspension damper
10443671, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Remotely operated bypass for a suspension damper
10472013, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Seat post
10537790, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
10550909, Aug 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
10591015, Mar 19 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
10670106, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10677309, May 31 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for position sensitive suspension damping
10697514, Jan 20 2010 FOX FACTORY, INC Remotely operated bypass for a suspension damper
10723409, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10731724, Oct 13 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Suspension system
10737546, Apr 08 2016 Fox Factory, Inc. Electronic compression and rebound control
10759247, Sep 12 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension set up
10781879, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Bypass for a suspension damper
10800220, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10807433, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10814689, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10821795, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
10843753, Jul 02 2010 Fox Factory, Inc. Lever assembly for positive lock adjustable seat post
10859133, May 10 2012 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11021204, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Seat post
11043294, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factoory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
11162555, Aug 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
11168758, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11173765, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11257582, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
11279198, Oct 13 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid damper
11279199, Jan 25 2012 Fox Factory, Inc. Suspension damper with by-pass valves
11299233, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11306798, May 09 2008 FOX FACTORY, INC Position sensitive suspension damping with an active valve
11408482, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Bypass for a suspension damper
11413924, Mar 19 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for selective spring pre-load adjustment
11472252, Apr 08 2016 Fox Factory, Inc. Electronic compression and rebound control
11499601, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Remotely operated bypass for a suspension damper
11519477, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Compression isolator for a suspension damper
11549565, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11619278, Mar 19 2009 FOX FACTORY, INC Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
11629774, May 10 2012 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11655873, Mar 19 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
11660924, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11708878, Jan 20 2010 Fox Factory, Inc. Remotely operated bypass for a suspension damper
11760150, Jan 25 2012 Fox Factory, Inc. Suspension damper with by-pass valves
11794543, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11796028, May 31 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for position sensitive suspension damping
11859690, Oct 13 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Suspension system
11866110, Jul 02 2010 Fox Factory, Inc. Lever assembly for positive lock adjustable seat post
11866120, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11869651, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
11875887, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
11890908, Jan 07 2009 Fox Factory, Inc. Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
11897571, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Seat post
11920655, Mar 19 2009 FOX FACTORY, INC Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
11958328, Sep 12 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension set up
11961602, Nov 25 2008 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for virtual competition
8838335, Sep 12 2011 FOX FACTORY, INC Methods and apparatus for suspension set up
9278598, Sep 12 2011 Fox Factory, Inc. Methods and apparatus for suspension set up
9908380, Jan 28 2015 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Method for operating a motor vehicle, computer software product, chassis arrangement and motor vehicle
Patent Priority Assignee Title
5157609, Jul 05 1989 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT COMPANY NUMBER 722287 Method and apparatus for controlling an automatically shifting transmission
5200895, Dec 13 1989 ATSUGI UNISIA CORPORATION, 1370, ONNA, ATSUGI-SHI, KANAGAWA-KEN, JAPAN Automotive suspension system with enhanced response characteristics
5584498, Oct 15 1992 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Suspension system for vehicle
5839082, Dec 26 1995 Unisia Jecs Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling damping force characteristic of vehicular shock absorber
5841201, Feb 29 1996 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Hybrid vehicle drive system having a drive mode using both engine and electric motor
6285935, Aug 05 1999 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Device for controlling suspension shock absorbers of vehicles with skewed phantom substitute
6721641, Jul 05 1999 ADVANCED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC Electromagnetic damper for vehicle suspension
7076351, Nov 11 1998 KOLDEWAY, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE KENMAR COMPANY TRUST, MARY KAY; KENMAR COMPANY TRUST, THE Enhanced computer optimized adaptive suspension system and method
7197384, Dec 23 2002 DaimlerChrysler AG Regulatable spring-and-damper system in a vehicle
7949445, Sep 22 2005 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA Suspension control device, vehicle comprising said device, production and associated program
8032282, Dec 21 2007 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Damping characteristics control apparatus for a vehicle suspension
8060277, Sep 22 2005 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA Suspension control device, vehicle comprising said device, production method thereof and associated program
20040119250,
20080243336,
20090037051,
20090099727,
20100138108,
20100292894,
20110160960,
20120041643,
20120062375,
DE10033770,
DE10257008,
DE19922745,
DE4039839,
DE4212852,
DE4436441,
EP237919,
JP281710,
JP550822,
////
Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
Sep 27 2011PROEMM, UWEBayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0276880834 pdf
Sep 27 2011MESKE, ALEXANDERBayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0276880834 pdf
Sep 28 2011FROEHLICH, MARTINBayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0276880834 pdf
Oct 26 2011Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft(assignment on the face of the patent)
Date Maintenance Fee Events
Oct 11 2016M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity.
Sep 24 2020M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity.


Date Maintenance Schedule
Apr 16 20164 years fee payment window open
Oct 16 20166 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Apr 16 2017patent expiry (for year 4)
Apr 16 20192 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4)
Apr 16 20208 years fee payment window open
Oct 16 20206 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Apr 16 2021patent expiry (for year 8)
Apr 16 20232 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8)
Apr 16 202412 years fee payment window open
Oct 16 20246 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Apr 16 2025patent expiry (for year 12)
Apr 16 20272 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12)